How can you gain weight with a high metabolism?

A:

Quick Answer

In order to gain weight despite a high metabolic rate, consume more calories through a balanced and healthy diet. Eat nutritious snacks, shakes and supplements that have a high calorie count, and exercise regularly to build muscle.

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According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, it takes 3,500 calories to gain 1 pound of weight. Therefore, the easiest way to gain weight, even with a high metabolism, is to eat an extra 500 calories every day. A slow and steady increase in weight is safer for the body than gaining weight too quickly. Calories must never come from junk food or unhealthy food choices. Empty calories cannot be used by the body and end up being stored as fat. Get half the daily calorific content from fruit, vegetables and whole grain pastas and breads. Nuts and nut-based butters are a good source of healthy calories. The rest of the calorie requirement must be sourced from protein and fat, with fat constituting no more than 30 percent. Eggs and lean meats are good sources of healthy protein.

Eat about 5 meals a day, and add healthy snacks and shakes to increase calorie consumption. Add milk, crushed nuts and protein powder to regular fruit shakes. Whole milk products, cheeses, peanut butter or hummus sandwiches with whole grain bread are good snack options. Lift weights so that all the key muscle groups in the arms, legs, chest, back and abdomen are involved. Weight lifting is a good way to add lean muscle to the increasing body weight.